Microsoft Ups IP Protection for OEM, ISV Partners

Microsoft Corp. recently added protections to its indemnification protection
for original equipment manufacturers and independent software vendor partners
to help shield them from intellectual property lawsuits that may arise in relation
to their distribution of Microsoft products.

OEMs, OEM distributors, system builders and ISV Royalty partners are now all
protected for trade secret claims. System Builders have been given new benefits,
including patent, copyright, damages and settlement fees and no-cap legal defense
fees. OEMs and OEM distributors have also been given no-cap legal defense fees
plus damages and settlement fees.

Microsoft said the coverage extends to future versions of its software, such
as Longhorn.

'This is a part of our ongoing efforts to respond to the requests of customers
and partners," said Brad Smith, senior vice president and general counsel
at Microsoft. "Our partners are telling us that IP issues are becoming
increasingly complex, and they appreciate that Microsoft stands behind them
and our products."

Resellers, distributors, retail and OEM embedded retain their current coverage.